The Road to Happiness

Seven months ago I was given the opportunity to work for a world renowned physician. It was an incredible 7 months, full of learning and realizing: I hate my job. I have hated my choice of career for years but I didn’t want to waste all my years of schooling, the money put into my education and all the hard work as a research nurse. I disliked the department, the managers, the hospital atmosphere, the independent (lonely) work, the constant chain of emails, the negative attitudes and the filing, OH GOD THE FILING!

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In lieu of all of this, I knew it was time for a change. A BIG change. I was looking up different opportunities. I’m not going to lie; it was looking grim. As a nurse, I don’t have many options other than “become a doctor” or “go back to school.” This was unfortunate because I couldn’t afford to go back to school full time and I didn’t want to be in school for the next million years. Luckily enough, I landed upon Continuing Studies at U of T (that’s a lie, my mom found the course, but that’ beside the point) where I then began my career into Marketing *insert cheering sounds. *

Unfortunately, this new found sense of belonging made me stupidly decide to end my research career prematurely (goodbye research = goodbye money). So now I am back to being a student, with no money and a great fear of being sucked back into the world of nursing. Where I am unhappy and constantly seeking other opportunities.

At the end of the day I know I will be okay.  I’m a hard worker and I will find a way. That being said, it is a scary world out there are I got a major wake up call. From this experience, I have learned to sympathize for everyone out there who is currently struggling. Sometimes, we forget how lucky we are to have simple luxuries and most importantly, time. Time for our friends, family and ourselves. In today’s society, with money comes opportunity. I find that way of being so disappointing, but that’s the world we live in, so I have dedicated my days to seeking blogs and opportunities such as Toronto Frugal for more affordable and fun things to do with friends and family during my days away from the computer.

In leaving my comfortable job to embark upon the rocky road to career happiness, I’ve learned a few things which I hope will be of use for you:

1. Always have a back up plan.
2. Don’t act on impulse.
3. Network.
4. Focus on your goal.
5. Constantly seek new opportunities.
6. Network more.
7. Never settle for mediocrity/You deserve the best.
8. Dream big and follow your heart.

I wish everyone the best and I hope your path brings you to the happiness you deserve.

– Your Heather.

1. memeagen.com